Crystals Soul Cafe

Step into this purple-hued, plant-filled Compton oasis for some of the most deliciously indulgent plant-based cuisine in Los Angeles. Soul food staples like barbecue ribs, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese are delightfully veganized, mostly with the aid of mushrooms rather than processed meat substitutes. On my visit, I enjoyed the Cajun spiced deep-fried oyster mushrooms, which come with sides of tender, umami-rich collard greens and red beans and rice. The lion’s mane “ribs” offer the sweet, smoky flavor of barbecue, and a convincing enough texture to sate the average omnivore. Crystals Soul’s small staff handles takeout orders while presiding over the handful of tables, which means the wait for your food after ringing up your meal can stretch to half an hour or more. If you’d like your food to be ready more quickly or upon arrival, I recommend calling in advance before heading over.